Household refrigerator device and method of manufacturing the household refrigerator device

ABSTRACT

A household refrigerator device has at least one closure unit for closing at least one storage space in the direction of an upper side. The closure unit has at least one ventilation recess for at least partial ventilation of the storage space, at least one closure element for closing the ventilation recess and at least one actuating element for actuating the closure element. The actuating element has at least one control for operation by way of a user and at least one actuating part connected to the control and which operatively connects the control to the closure element and which pushes the closure element over the ventilation recess as a function of a movement of the control.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of Germanpatent application DE 10 2017 205 108.6, filed Mar. 27, 2017; the priorapplication is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a household refrigerator device as claimed inthe preamble of the main device claim and to a method for assembling ahousehold refrigerator device as claimed in the preamble of the mainmethod claim.

From U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,206 a household refrigerator device having astorage unit is known which defines a storage space that is open in thedirection of an upper side of the storage unit. A closure unit forclosing the storage space in the direction of the upper side has aventilation recess for ventilation of the storage space and a closureelement for closing the ventilation recess. For actuation of the closureelement, the closure unit has an actuating element.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention consists, in particular, in providing ageneric device having improved properties in respect of a construction.The object is inventively achieved by the features of the main claimswhile advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention can befound in the subclaims.

The invention starts from a household refrigerator device having atleast one closure unit for in particular at least essential closing atleast of one storage space in the direction of an upper side, whereinthe closure unit has at least one ventilation recess for at leastpartial ventilation of the storage space, at least one closure elementfor closing the ventilation recess and at least one actuating elementfor actuating the closure element.

It is proposed that the actuating element has at least one control foroperation by way of a user and at least one actuating part connected tothe control and which operatively connects the control to the closureelement and which pushes the closure element over the ventilation recessas a function of a movement of the control.

A “household refrigerator device” should be taken to mean in particularat least part, in particular a subassembly, of a household refrigerator.The household refrigerator is particularly advantageously provided, inat least one operating state, to cool chilled goods, in particular food,such as, for example, drinks, meat, fish, milk and/or dairy products, inparticular to achieve a longer shelf life of the chilled goods. Thehousehold refrigerator can in particular be a chest freezer andadvantageously a fridge and/or freezer.

In particular, the household refrigerator device has at least oneappliance body. The appliance body defines at least one cold chamber, inparticular at least partially. An “appliance body” should in particularbe taken to mean a unit which, at least in an assembled state, formspart, in particular a large part, of an outer limit, in particular of ahousing, advantageously of a household refrigerator device housing, andwhich in the assembled state defines part, in particular a large part,of an outer limit of at least one cold chamber, in particular arefrigerating zone and/or a freezer compartment. In particular, thehousehold refrigerator device has at least one appliance door. An“appliance door” should in particular be taken to mean a unit which isconnected to the appliance body, at least in an assembled state, so itcan move, and in particular pivot, relative to the appliance body andwhich, in particular in the assembled state, forms part of an outerlimit, in particular of a housing, advantageously a householdrefrigerator device housing. The appliance body and the appliance door,at least in an assembled state, advantageously form the outer limit, inparticular the housing, advantageously the household refrigerator devicehousing. In particular, the appliance body has at least two side walls,at least one back wall, preferably at least one upper side and at leastone lower side, which together with the appliance door enclose the coldchamber in at least one operating state.

In particular, the household refrigerator device has at least onestorage unit which is arranged, in particular, inside the cold chamber.The storage unit defines the storage space for storing foods. Inparticular, the storage unit forms at least one delimiting wall of thestorage space. The storage unit has in particular an at leastessentially tub-shaped form. The storage unit forms in particular atleast one refrigeration compartment. For example, the storage unit couldform a refrigerator compartment and/or a vegetable compartment and/or afruit compartment and/or a meat compartment and/or a crispercompartment. An “upper side” of an object should in particular be takento mean a side which is remote from a level surface in a fittingposition. The level surface could in particular be a base, in particulara floor, and/or an installation surface, which could in particular beformed at least partially by the base. In at least one operating state,the closure unit and the storage unit define the storage space at leastessentially and advantageously, by considering at least one sealingtolerance, completely. The closure unit is configured in particular as acover.

A “ventilation recess” should in particular be taken to mean a recesswhich is provided for exchange of at least one fluid, such as, forexample air and/or an air-moisture mixture. A “recess” should inparticular be taken to mean a hole and/or an opening and/or a gap. Inparticular in the case of a plan view of the closure unit, the closureunit delimits the ventilation recess in particular at least from two,advantageously at least from three and preferably at least from four,sides. The ventilation recess is arranged in particular inside an outerlimit of the closure unit and advantageously, in particular at least inthe case of a plan view of the closure unit, is completely surrounded bythe closure unit, in particular enclosed.

In at least one closure state, the closure element closes theventilation recess at least essentially and advantageously, inparticular considering a sealing tolerance, completely. The closureelement is arranged in particular so it can move relative to theventilation recess. In particular, the closure element can be movedrelative to the ventilation recess, in particular by actuation of theactuating element. The closure element is advantageously arranged so itcan move at least essentially parallel to a main extension plane of theclosure unit, whereby a simple and/or compact design is achieved inparticular and/or tilting and/or pivoting mounting of the closureelement can be omitted. A “main extension plane” of an object should inparticular be taken to mean a plane which is parallel to a largest sideface of a smallest imaginary cuboid which still just completelysurrounds the object, and in particular runs through the center point ofthe cuboid. “Essentially parallel” should in particular be taken to meanan orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction here, inparticular in a plane, with the direction having a deviation inparticular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularlyadvantageously less than 2° compared to the reference direction.

The closure element could, for example, be configured in one piece.Alternatively, the closure element could be configured in several parts,in particular at least two parts, wherein in particular individual partsof the closure element could be connected together in at least oneassembled state. For example, the closure element could have at leastone closure part for closing the ventilation recess. The closure elementcould in particular have at least one coupling element which couldoperatively connect the closure part to the actuating part of theactuating element and in particular could transfer a movement of theactuating element to the closure part. For example, the coupling elementand the closure part could be connected together by a latchingconnection and/or by a connection brought about by clamping and/or bymeans of a plug-in connection and/or by means of a connection broughtabout by locking. “In one piece” should in particular be taken to meanat least firmly bonded together, for example by a welding process, agluing process, an injection process and/or another process that seemsexpedient to a person skilled in the art, and/or advantageously beformed in one part, such as, for example by way of production from acast and/or by way of production in a single-component ormulti-component injection process and advantageously from a singleblank.

A “control” should in particular be taken to mean an element which foractuation by a user is arranged so it can be grasped by the user and inparticular is movably mounted. In particular, the closure element closesthe ventilation recess as a function of a position of the actuatingelement and in particular of the control. In at least one closureposition of the actuating element and in particular of the control, theclosure element closes the ventilation recess at least essentially andadvantageously, in particular considering a sealing tolerance,completely. In at least one ventilation position of the actuatingelement and in particular of the control, the closure element opens theventilation recess at least partially, in particular at leastessentially and advantageously completely. In particular, theventilation recess, in at least one ventilation position of theactuating element and in particular of the control, is at leastpartially, in particular at least essentially and advantageouslycompletely, unclosed. In particular, the actuating element, andespecially the control, is arranged so it can be moved in particular bya user, at least between at least one closure position and at least oneventilation position, it being possible in particular to adjust at leastone intermediate position and advantageously at least two, particularlyadvantageously at least four and preferably more, intermediatepositions.

The actuating part transfers in particular a movement of the control tothe closure element. In particular, the actuating part is arranged, inparticular in respect of a force path, between the control and theclosure element. The control and the actuating part are advantageouslyconnected together non-positively and/or positively.

The phrase that the actuating part pushes the closure element “over” theventilation recess as a function of a movement of the control should inparticular be taken to mean that the actuating part moves the closureelement as a function of a movement of the control in a plane orientedat least essentially parallel to a main extension plane of the closureunit, so the closure element closes the ventilation recess inparticular. In a fitting position, the actuating part could move theclosure element, as a function of a movement of the control, for exampleabove the ventilation recess in order to close the ventilation recess.Alternatively or additionally, the actuating part could move the closureelement, as a function of a movement of the control in a fittingposition, for example below the ventilation recess in order to close theventilation recess.

For example, the closure unit could have at least one display unit whichcould be provided in particular for displaying at least one position ofthe actuating element, in particular of the actuating part and/orcontrol. In particular, the display unit could have at least one closuredisplay and/or at least one ventilation display. In particular, theactuating element, in particular the control and/or the actuating part,in at least one closure position, could at least essentially expose theclosure display of the display unit and/or at least essentially concealthe ventilation display of the display unit. In particular, theactuating element, in particular the control and/or the actuating part,in at least one ventilation position, could at least essentially exposethe ventilation display of the display unit and/or at least essentiallyconceal the closure display of the display unit. In particular, theclosure display and/or the ventilation display could be arranged as tobe at least essentially fixed and in particular on the closure unit, forexample on at least one front element of the closure unit. Alternativelyor additionally, the actuating element, in particular the control and/orthe actuating part, as a function of a movement of the actuatingelement, in particular of the control and/or actuating part, could movethe closure display and/or the ventilation display into at least onedisplay window of the display unit and/or out of the display window ofthe display unit.

“Provided” should in particular be taken to mean specially configuredand/or equipped. That an object is provided for a particular function,should in particular be taken to mean that the object fulfils and/orperforms this particular function in at least one application and/oroperating state.

The inventive design can in particular improve a construction. Inparticular, a high degree of flexibility can be attained in particularin respect of design freedom. In particular, a simpler and/or morecompact construction can be achieved. Individual components, inparticular of the actuating element, can be replaced particularlyeasily, so low costs in particular are possible. In particular, thecontrol can be configured relatively freely. For example, a continuousdesign of the control can be facilitated for various applications, inparticular for various types of household refrigerator device, so inparticular only a design of the actuating part has to be adapted to therespective application. Alternatively or additionally, the control canbe configured in particular in a brand-specific manner and/or accordingto regional desires, and, more precisely, in particular avoiding theinfluence of a technical adjusting mechanism of the closure unit.

For example, the control and the actuating part could be connectedtogether by a connection brought about by clamping and/or by aconnection brought about by means of locking. The control and theactuating part are preferably latched together. In particular, theclosure unit has at least one latching unit by which the control and theactuating part are in particular latched together. A “latching unit”should in particular be taken to mean a unit having at least onelatching element, which in the case of a fastening process iselastically deflected in order to then engage behind a correspondinglatching element due to an inner tensioning force. In particular, thecontrol and the actuating part are part of the latching unit and form inparticular the latching elements of the latching unit. In particularfast assembly and/or disassembly can be achieved thereby and/or a highdegree of flexibility, in particular in respect of replacement ofelements of the actuating element, is enabled.

In addition, it is proposed that the closure unit has at least one frontelement through which the control at least partially penetrates. A“front element” should in particular be taken to mean an element whichin a fitting position is arranged at a side of the closure unit facingthe user. In particular, the front element, in a fitting position, atleast partially forms a side of the closure unit facing a user and, in afitting position, is arranged in particular so as to be visible to theuser. For example, the actuating element could be integrated in thefront element. The phrase that the control “at least partially”penetrates through the front element should in particular be taken tomean that the control has at least one section which engages at least inthe front element and/or which penetrates through the front element. Inparticular, secure mounting of the control and/or a stable embodimentcan be achieved thereby. Integration of the actuating element in atleast one front element of the closure unit is in particular possiblewithout problems. In addition, cleaning can be facilitated.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the control and the actuating part arearranged at least partially on different sides of the front element. Thephrase that the control and the actuating part are arranged “at leastpartially” on different sides of the front element should in particularbe taken to mean that at least one section of the control and at leastone section of the actuating part are arranged on different sides of thefront element. In particular, at least a large part of the control andat least a large part of the actuating part are arranged on differentsides of the front element. A mass fraction and/or volume fraction of atleast 40%, in particular of at least 50%, advantageously of at least 60%and preferably if at least 70%, of the control is arranged in particularon a first side of the front element. A mass fraction and/or volumefraction of at least 60%, in particular of at least 70%, advantageouslyof at least 80% and preferably of at least 90%, of the actuating part isarranged in particular on a second side of the front element which isdifferent in particular from the first side. In particular, the firstside of the front element and the second side of the front element aremutually opposing sides of the front element. A compact and/or stableembodiment in particular can be achieved thereby.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the actuating part at least essentiallyprevents a movement of the control relative to the front element in atleast one direction. The phrase that the actuating part “at leastessentially” prevents a movement of the control relative to the frontelement in at least one direction should in particular be taken to meanthat the actuating part allows a movement of the control relative to thefront element in the direction of 5% maximum, in particular of 3%maximum, advantageously of 1% maximum and preferably of 0.1% maximum, ofan extent of the control along the direction. An “extent” of an objectshould in particular be taken to mean a maximum spacing of two points ofa vertical projection of the object onto a plane. For example, thedirection of movement, in particular in the case of a plan view of theclosure unit, could be oriented at least essentially parallel to a frontedge of the closure unit. In particular, the direction, in particular inthe case of a plan view of the closure unit, is oriented at leastessentially perpendicularly to a front edge of the closure unit. Thedirection of movement is oriented in particular at least essentiallyparallel to a main extension plane of the closure unit. The control canthereby be fixed easily and/or in a component-saving manner, inparticular in respect of the direction, in a position relative to thefront element, so in particular undesirable loss of the control can beprevented.

In addition, it is proposed that the actuating element is mounted so itcan move in at least one width direction. In particular, the widthdirection, in particular in the case of a plan view of the closure unit,is oriented at least essentially parallel to a front edge of the closureunit. The width direction is oriented in particular at least essentiallyparallel to a main extension plane of the closure unit. Intuitiveoperation in particular can be achieved thereby.

For example, the closure element could be mounted so as to move in atleast one width direction. The closure element is preferably mounted soas to move in at least one depth direction. In particular, the depthdirection is oriented at least essentially perpendicularly to a frontedge of the closure unit, in particular in the case of a plan view ofthe closure unit. The depth direction is in particular oriented at leastessentially parallel to a main extension plane of the closure unit. Inparticular, the depth direction is oriented at least essentiallyperpendicularly to the width direction. The term “essentiallyperpendicularly” should here define in particular an orientation of adirection relative to a reference direction, with the direction and thereference direction, in particular viewed in one plane, enclosing anangle of 90° and the angle having a maximum deviation of in particularless than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularlyadvantageously less than 2°. A high level of operating convenience inparticular can be achieved thereby.

In a further aspect of the invention, which can be taken alone or beconsidered together with other aspects of the invention, it is proposedthat the closure unit has at least one movement converter unit forconverting a movement of the actuating element, in particular of theactuating part, in at least one width direction into a movement of theclosure element in at least one depth direction. In particular, themovement converter unit converts a movement of the actuating element inthe width direction into a movement of the closure element in the depthdirection, oriented in particular at least essentially perpendicularlyto the width direction. The movement converter unit couples inparticular a movement of the closure element to a movement of theactuating element oriented in particular at least essentiallyperpendicularly to the movement of the closure element. In particular acompact embodiment and/or a high degree of flexibility in respect of anarrangement of components of the closure unit can be achieved thereby.

In addition, it is proposed that the movement converter unit has atleast one sliding block guide which has at least one guide track and atleast one sliding block element guided along the guide track. Thesliding block element could be guided, for example, on the guide track.The sliding block element is advantageously guided in the guide trackand engages in particular at least partially in the guide track. Themovement converter unit can in particular be implemented inexpensivelyand/or easily thereby.

For example, the guide track could be arranged on the actuating elementand in particular on the actuating part. The guide track is preferablyarranged on the closure element, so a construction in particular can besimplified.

For example, the sliding block element could be arranged on the closureelement. The sliding block element is preferably arranged on theactuating element, in particular on the actuating part, so aparticularly straightforward construction and/or assembly can beachieved.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the movement converter unit isconfigured in one piece with the actuating element, in particular withthe actuating part, and/or with the closure element. In particular, themovement converter unit is configured in one piece with the actuatingelement, in particular with the actuating part, and with the closureelement. In particular a stable design and/or a low storage option canbe enabled thereby.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the closure unit has at least one basicbody which is configured to be at least partially transparent and whichhas at least one at least essentially non-transparent concealing regionwhich at least partially conceals at least the closure element and/orthe actuating part. The phrase that the basic body is configured to be“at least partially” transparent should in particular be taken to meanthe basic body is configured to be transparent for a mass fractionand/or volume fraction of at least 40%, in particular of at least 50%,advantageously of at least 60% and preferably of at least 70%.“Transparent” should in particular be taken to mean see-through, inparticular to a user's naked eye. “Non-transparent” should in particularbe taken to mean opaque, in particular to a user's naked eye. Theconcealing region could be configured, for example, as a coating and/ora painted area of at least one basic element of the basic body.Alternatively or additionally, the concealing region could be integratedin at least one basic element of the basic body, wherein the basicelement, in particular in the concealing region, could be made of atleast one material different to that in the remaining regions, inparticular in a transparent viewing area of the basic body. The phrasethat the concealing region “at least partially” conceals at least theclosure element and/or the actuating part should in particular be takento mean that the concealing region conceals at least a section of theclosure element and/or the actuating part, wherein the concealing regioncould also conceal the entire closure element and/or the entireactuating part. In particular, a high level of operating convenience canbe enabled thereby. In particular, a high degree of freedom in respectof a design can be achieved. Furthermore, a visually appealing designcan be attained.

Furthermore, a method for assembly of at least one householdrefrigerator device is proposed, having at least one closure unit forclosing at least one storage space in the direction of an upper side,wherein the closure unit has at least one ventilation recess for atleast partial ventilation of the storage space, at least one closureelement for closing the ventilation recess and at least one actuatingelement for actuating the closure element, wherein the actuating elementhas at least one control for operation by way of a user and at least oneactuating part connected to the control and which is provided foroperative connection of the control to the closure element, wherein theactuating part is connected to the control. An advantageous constructioncan be provided hereby.

The household refrigerator device and the method should not berestricted to the application and embodiment described above. Inparticular, the household refrigerator device or the method foraccomplishing a mode of operation described herein can have a number ofindividual elements, components and units that differs from a numbercited herein.

Further advantages emerge from the following description of thedrawings. The drawings show exemplary embodiments of the invention. Thedrawings, description and claims contain numerous features incombination. The person skilled in the art will expediently alsoconsider the features individually and combine them to form furtheruseful combinations.

Other features which are considered as characteristic for the inventionare set forth in the appended claims.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodiedin a household refrigerator device, it is nevertheless not intended tobe limited to the details shown, since various modifications andstructural changes may be made therein without departing from the spiritof the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of theclaims.

The construction and method of operation of the invention, however,together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be bestunderstood from the following description of specific embodiments whenread in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, perspective view of a household refrigeratorwith the household refrigerator device in a closed state;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the household refrigerator with thehousehold refrigerator device in a partially open state;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a closure unit of the householdrefrigerator device;

FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of the closure unit;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, perspective view of the closure unit in a closurestate viewed from a lower side;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, plan view of the closure unit in the closurestate viewed from a lower side;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, plan view of the closure unit in a ventilationstate viewed from a lower side;

FIG. 8 is an exploded, perspective view of a control and an actuatingpart of an actuating element of the closure unit;

FIG. 9 is an exploded, perspective view of the control and the actuatingpart; and

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the control and the actuating part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first,particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a household refrigerator40 in a closed state. The household refrigerator 40 is configured as afridge and as a freezer, in particular as a fridge-freezer. Thehousehold refrigerator 40 has a household refrigerator device 10. Thehousehold refrigerator device 10 has an appliance body 42.

The appliance body 42 partially defines a cold chamber 44 (see FIG. 2).The cold chamber 44 is configured as a refrigerating zone. The householdrefrigerator device 10 has an appliance door 46. The appliance door 46is mounted so it can pivot relative to the appliance body 42 a. In aclosed state, the appliance door 46 seals the cold chamber 44.

The appliance body 42 partially defines a further cold chamber (notshown). The further cold chamber is configured as a freezer compartment.The household refrigerator device 10 has a further appliance door 48.The further appliance door 48 is mounted so it can pivot relative to theappliance body 42. In a closed state, the further appliance door 48seals the further cold chamber. In a fitting position, the further coldchamber is arranged below the cold chamber 44.

The household refrigerator device 10 has at least one door tray 50 (seeFIG. 2). Where objects are present several times, only one of them isprovided with a reference numeral in the figures. In the presentexemplary embodiment, the household refrigerator device 10 has threedoor trays 50. Only one of the door trays 50 will be described below.The door tray 50 is secured to the appliance door 46. In an operatingstate, the door tray 50 is provided for receiving food.

The household refrigerator device 10 has at least one shelf 52 (see FIG.2). In the present exemplary embodiment, the household refrigeratordevice 10 has two shelves 52 (see FIG. 2). The shelves 52 areessentially arranged uniformly distributed in the cold chamber 44 inrespect of a vertical direction 54. The vertical direction 54 isoriented essentially perpendicularly to a level surface, in particularto a base and/or floor. Only one of the shelves 52 will be describedbelow.

The household refrigerator device 10 has at least one storage unit 56(see FIG. 2). In the present exemplary embodiment, the householdrefrigerator device 10 has exactly one storage unit 56. Alternatively,the household refrigerator device 10 could have a different number ofstorage units 56, such as for example at least two storage units 56,which could be arranged side by side in particular in respect of a widthdirection 28. The width direction 28 is oriented essentially parallel toa level surface. The width direction 28 is oriented essentially parallelto a back wall of the appliance body 12.

The storage unit 56 defines a storage space, which is open in thedirection of an upper side of the storage unit 56, for storing food. Thestorage unit 56 is configured as a crisper compartment. The storage unit56 is configured as a pull-out shelf and/or a drawer.

The storage unit 56 is arranged inside the cold chamber 44. In a fittingposition, the storage unit 56 is arranged below a closure unit 12. Thehousehold refrigerator device 10 has the closure unit 12 (see FIGS. 2 to8). In a fitting position, the closure unit 12 is arranged above thestorage unit 56. In a fitting position, the closure unit 12 closes thestorage unit 56 and therewith, in particular, the storage space in thedirection of the upper side of the storage unit 56. The closure unit 12is provided for closing the storage space in the direction of an upperside.

The closure unit 12 has an essentially plate-like form. The closure unit12 is provided for placement of at least one chilled item. The closureunit 12 is configured as a tray and/or a shelf that can, in particular,be slid in.

The closure unit 12 has a basic body 58. The basic body 58 is partiallytransparent. The basic body 58 has at least one viewing area 68. In thepresent exemplary embodiment, the basic body has two viewing areas 68.Only one of the viewing areas 68 will be described below. In the presentexemplary embodiment, the basic body 58 is to a large extent made ofglass in the region of the viewing area 68.

The basic body 58 has an essentially non-transparent concealing region66. In a fitting position, the concealing region 66 is arranged betweenthe viewing areas 68 in respect of the width direction 28. In a fittingposition, the concealing region 66 extends essentially over the entireextent of the basic body 58 in a depth direction 30. In respect of thewidth direction, the concealing region 66 is essentially centrallyarranged on the basic body 58.

The basic body 58 has a further essentially non-transparent concealingregion 70. In a fitting position, the further concealing region 70 isarranged in a front region of the basic body 58 in respect of the depthdirection 30. In a fitting position, the further concealing region 70extends essentially over the entire extent of the basic body 58 in thewidth direction 28.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the closure unit 12 has a coverunit 60. The cover unit 60 frames the basic body 58 in respect of thedepth direction 30 in a front region and in a back region of the closureunit 12.

The closure unit 12 has a front element 24. The front element 24 is partof the cover unit 60. The front element 24 frames the basic body 58 inthe front region of the closure unit 12 in respect of the depthdirection 30. In an assembled state, the front element 24 is put on thebasic body 58.

The closure unit 12 has a rear element 62. The rear element 62 is partof the cover unit 60. The rear element 62 frames the basic body 58 inthe back region of the closure unit 12 in respect of the depth direction30. In the assembled state, the rear element 62 is put on the basic body58.

The closure unit 12 has a connecting element 64. The connecting element64 is part of the cover unit 60. The connecting element 64 connects therear element 62 and the front element 24 together. In a fittingposition, the connecting element 64 is arranged on a lower side of theclosure unit 12. In a fitting position, the connecting element 64 isarranged below the basic body 58. In respect of the width direction 28,the connecting element 64 is essentially centrally arranged on theclosure unit 12.

The closure unit 12 has a plurality of ventilation recess 14 for partialventilation of the storage space. Only one of the ventilation recess 14will be described below. In a fitting position, the ventilation recess14 is arranged in a back region of the closure unit 12 in respect of thedepth direction 30. In respect of the width direction 28, theventilation recess 14 is essentially centrally arranged on the closureunit 12. The ventilation recess 14 is arranged on the rear element 62and is configured in particular as a recess of the rear element 62.

For closing the ventilation recess 14, the closure unit 12 has a closureelement 16 (see FIGS. 4 to 7). In the present exemplary embodiment, theclosure element 16 extends essentially over the entire extent of theclosure unit 12 in the depth direction 30. The closure element 16projects from the ventilation recess 14 toward an actuating element 18of the closure unit 12.

For actuating the closure element 16, the closure unit 12 has theactuating element 18. In a fitting position, the actuating element 18 isarranged in a front region of the closure unit 12 in respect of thedepth direction 30. In the present exemplary embodiment, the actuatingelement 18 is configured in two parts (see FIGS. 4 and 8).

The actuating element 18 has a control 20 for operation by a user. In afitting position, the control 20 is arranged in the front region of theclosure unit 12 in respect of the depth direction 30, so as to beaccessible for a user.

The actuating element 18 has an actuating part 22 connected to thecontrol 20 and which operatively connects the control 20 to the closureelement 18. In the present exemplary embodiment, the closure element 16is configured in two parts. The closure element 16 has a closure part 76for closing the ventilation opening 14. The closure element 16 has acoupling element 78. The coupling element 78 operatively connects theclosure part 76 to the actuating part 22 of the actuating element 18. Inan assembled state, the coupling element 78 transfers a movement of theactuating element 18 to the closure part 76.

In a fitting position, the actuating part 22 is arranged below the basicbody 58. In a fitting position, the actuating part 22 is arrangedbetween the basic body 58 and the connecting element 64 in respect ofthe vertical direction 54.

In a fitting position, the connecting element 64 is arranged below theconcealing region 66. In an assembled state, the concealing region 66conceals the connecting element 64.

In a fitting position, the closure element 16 is arranged below theconcealing region 66. In an assembled state, the concealing region 66partially conceals the closure element 16.

In a fitting position, the actuating part 22 is arranged below theconcealing region 66. In an assembled state, the concealing region 66partially conceals the actuating part 22.

The closure unit 12 has a display unit 72. The display unit 72 isprovided for displaying a position of the actuating element 18. Thedisplay unit 72 has a display window 74. The display window 74 isarranged in the further concealing region 70. In respect of the widthdirection, the display window 74 is arranged essentially centrally onthe basic body 58.

In the assembled state, the control 20 and the actuating part 22 arelatched together (see FIGS. 8 to 10). The actuating element 18 has alatching unit 82. The latching unit 82 latches the control 20 and theactuating part 22 together.

The latching unit 82 has four latching elements 84. The latching unit 82has four latching elements 86 that correspond with the latching elements84. Only one of the latching elements 84 and the corresponding latchingelements 86 respectively will be described below.

The latching element 84 is arranged on the control 20. In the presentexemplary embodiment, the latching element 84 is configured in one piecewith the control 20. The latching element 84 is configured as a recess.

The corresponding latching element 86 is arranged on the actuating part22. In the present exemplary embodiment, the corresponding latchingelement 86 is configured in one piece with the actuating part 22. Thecorresponding latching element 86 is configured as a projection. In anassembled state, the corresponding latching element 86 engages partiallyin the latching element 84.

The actuating part 22 partially delimits a receiving space 88 (see FIGS.9 and 10). The corresponding latching element 86 is arranged on a walldelimiting the receiving space 88 and in a force-free state projectspartially into the receiving space 88. The receiving space 88 isprovided for partially receiving the control 20. In the presentexemplary embodiment, the control 20 engages partially in the actuatingpart 22, and, more precisely, in particular in the receiving space 88 ofthe actuating part 22.

The control 20 penetrates partially through the front element 24. Thefront element 24 has a recess 80 (see FIG. 4). In an assembled state,the control 20 penetrates partially through the recess 80 of the frontelement 24. The recess 80 of the front element 24 has a slotted form. Inthe assembled state, the control 20 and the actuating part 22 arearranged partially on different sides of the front element 24.

In the assembled state, the actuating part 22 essentially preventsmovement of the control 20 relative to the front element 24 in adirection 26. The direction 26 is oriented essentially antiparallel tothe depth direction 30.

The actuating element 18 is mounted so as to move in the width direction28. The actuating element 18 is mounted so as to move in the widthdirection 28 between a closure position (see FIG. 6) and a ventilationposition (see FIG. 7). In the closure position of the actuating element18, the closure element 16 essentially closes the ventilation recess 14.In the ventilation position of the actuating element 18, the closureelement 16 essentially opens the ventilation recess 14.

The closure element 16 is mounted so as to move in the depth direction30. The closure element 16 is guided with a movement of the closureelement 16 in the depth direction 30. The closure unit 12 has a closureelement guide 90 (see FIGS. 4 to 7). The closure element guide 90 has aclosure element guide element 92. The closure element guide element 92is arranged on the rear element 62. In the present exemplary embodiment,the closure element guide element 92 is configured in one piece with therear element 62. The closure element guide element 92 guides the closureelement 16, and, more precisely, in particular the closure part 76 ofthe closure element 16, with a movement of the closure element 16 in thedepth direction 30.

The closure element guide 90 has a further closure element guide element94. The further closure element guide element 94 is arranged on theconnecting element 64. In the present exemplary embodiment, the furtherclosure element guide element 94 is configured in one piece with theconnecting element 64. The further closure element guide element 94guides the closure element 16, and, more precisely, in particular thecoupling element 78 of the closure element 16, with a movement of theclosure element 16 in the depth direction 30.

The closure element 16 and the actuating element 18 are operativelyconnected together. The closure unit 12 has a movement converter unit 32for converting a movement of the actuating element 18 in the widthdirection 28 into a movement of the closure element 16 in the depthdirection 30 (see FIGS. 4 to 7).

In the present exemplary embodiment, the movement converter unit 32 hasa sliding block guide 34. The sliding block guide 34 has a guide element36. The guide track 36 is arranged on the closure element 16. In thepresent exemplary embodiment, the guide track 36 is configured in onepiece with the closure element 16. The movement converter unit 32 isconfigured partially in one piece with the closure element 16.

The movement converter unit 32 has a sliding block element 38 guidedalong the guide element 36. The sliding block element 38 is arranged onthe actuating element 18, and, more precisely, in particular on theactuating part 22 of the actuating element 18. In the present exemplaryembodiment, the sliding block element 38 is configured in one piece withthe actuating element 18, and, more precisely, in particular with theactuating part 22 of the actuating element 18. The movement converterunit 32 is configured partially in one piece with the actuating element18, and, more precisely, in particular with the actuating part 22 of theactuating element 18.

In a method for assembly of the household refrigerator device 10, theactuating part 22 is connected to the control 20. The control 20 ispartially pushed through the front element 24 and latches with theactuating part 22.

The following is a summary list of reference numerals and thecorresponding structure used in the above description of the invention:

-   10 household refrigerator device-   12 closure unit-   14 ventilation recess-   16 closure element-   18 actuating element-   20 control-   22 actuating part-   24 front element-   26 direction-   28 width direction-   30 depth direction-   32 movement converter unit-   34 sliding block guide-   36 guide track-   38 sliding block element-   40 household refrigerator-   42 appliance body-   44 cold chamber-   46 appliance door-   48 further appliance door-   50 door tray-   52 shelf-   54 vertical direction-   56 storage unit-   58 basic body-   60 cover unit-   62 rear element-   64 connecting element-   66 concealing region-   68 viewing area-   70 further concealing region-   72 display unit-   74 display window-   76 closure part-   78 coupling element-   80 recess-   82 latching unit-   84 latching element-   86 corresponding latching element-   88 receiving space-   90 closure element guide-   92 closure element guide element-   94 further closure element guide element

1. A household refrigerator device, comprising: at least one closureunit for closing at least one storage space in a direction of an upperside, said closure unit having at least one ventilation recess formedtherein for at least partial ventilation of said storage space, at leastone closure element for closing said ventilation recess and at least oneactuating element for actuating said closure element, said actuatingelement having at least one control for operation by way of a user andat least one actuating part connected to said control and whichoperatively connects said control to said closure element and whichpushes said closure element over said ventilation recess in dependenceon a movement of said control.
 2. The household refrigerator deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said control and said actuating part arelatched together.
 3. The household refrigerator device according toclaim 1, wherein said closure unit has at least one front elementthrough which said control at least partially penetrates.
 4. Thehousehold refrigerator device according to claim 3, wherein said controland said actuating part are disposed at least partially on differentsides of said front element.
 5. The household refrigerator deviceaccording to claim 3, wherein said actuating part at least essentiallyprevents a movement of said control relative to said front element in atleast one direction.
 6. The household refrigerator device according toclaim 1, wherein said actuating element is moveably mounted in at leastone width direction.
 7. The household refrigerator device according toclaim 1, wherein said closure element is moveably mounted in at leastone depth direction.
 8. The household refrigerator device according toclaim 1, wherein said closure unit has at least one movement converterunit for converting a movement of said actuating element in at least onewidth direction into a movement of said closure element in at least onedepth direction.
 9. The household refrigerator device according to claim8, wherein said movement converter unit contains at least one slidingblock guide which has at least one guide track and at least one slidingblock element guided along said guide track.
 10. The householdrefrigerator device according to claim 9, wherein said guide track isdisposed on said closure element.
 11. The household refrigerator deviceaccording to claim 9, wherein said sliding block element is disposed onsaid actuating element.
 12. The household refrigerator device accordingto claim 8, wherein said movement converter unit is configured at leastpartially in one piece with said actuating element and/or said closureelement.
 13. The household refrigerator device according to claim 1,wherein said closure unit has at least one basic body which is at leastpartially transparent and which has at least one at least essentiallynon-transparent concealing region which at least partially conceals atleast said closure element and/or said actuating part.
 14. A householdrefrigerator, comprising: at least one storage space; and a householdrefrigerator device containing at least one closure unit for closingsaid at least one storage space in a direction of an upper side, saidclosure unit having at least one ventilation recess formed therein forat least partial ventilation of said storage space, at least one closureelement for closing said ventilation recess and at least one actuatingelement for actuating said closure element, said actuating elementhaving at least one control for operation by way of a user and at leastone actuating part connected to said control and which operativelyconnects said control to said closure element and which pushes saidclosure element over said ventilation recess in dependence on a movementof said control.
 15. A method for assembling at least one householdrefrigerator device, which comprises the steps of: providing at leastone closure unit for closing at least one storage space in a directionof an upper side; forming at least one ventilation recess in the closureunit for at least partial ventilation of the storage space; providingthe closure unit with at least one closure element for closing theventilation recess; and providing the closure unit with at least oneactuating element for actuating the closure element, the actuatingelement having at least one control for operation by way of a user andat least one actuating part connected to the control and which isprovided for operative connection of the control to the closure element,wherein the actuating part is connected to the control.